The coronavirus pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for businesses around the world, but it has also accelerated the growth of ecommerce as people increasingly rely on online services.
Saudi interior designer Abrar Saggaf (@Abrarsaggaf) launched her brand Shaqmata in July at the peak of the outbreak in the Kingdom.
But, rather than get bogged down by the economic conditions thrown up by the pandemic, Saggaf decided to challenge herself with something new.
“I asked myself a question: Why would one limit themselves to one specialty, career, and source of income when they can invest in their talents and explore many potential opportunities?” she told Arab News. “I opened my drawer and found that I had many drawings which I collected over the years, and they resembled our local culture and I decided to convert my art style into products.”
Shaqmata (@shaqmata), which means scribbles in Arabic, turns Saggaf’s art into everyday products.
For years she had been encouraged by friends on social media to make decorative items like rugs and pillows out of her drawings that were the product of her stress-relief strategy — doodling.
Saggaf began with bags and has launched three designs since July. The designs are based on three different characters she created to resemble a certain culture.
She is also working on launching a new product — a modern abaya or light jacket — within a month.
What sets Shaqmata apart from other brands are its reasonable price point, as well as its quality and sophisticated design.
“Each character of our products has a name, a birth date, and a story. The more you give depth to your product the more people can connect with it,” she added. “At the beginning people used to order the products by design, now they know the designs by their names.”
Shaqmata targets a wide audience. Anyone interested in something unique and special that has a story — but is also practical — is a potential customer for Saggaf.
“Also, those interested in creative local brands and culture and art enthusiasts.”
Her 10 years of interior design experience, together with her passion for art, helped to grow her business in a few months.
“Although this is a completely new experience for me, my long experience in interior design helped me understand how to satisfy the needs of the targeted audience.”
She encouraged young people to seize opportunities and dare to take the first step toward their dream projects. “If people try to explore themselves, everyone will be able to find a hidden talent inside that’s worthy of their attention and investment.”
Saggaf currently sells her products on Instagram and delivers them to all regions of Saudi Arabia. But they will soon be available at two concept stores in Jeddah and will become available in Riyadh and Alkhobar as well.
She also wanted to offer her products to a wider audience worldwide, with her brand functioning as a platform for creative artists with similar interests to contribute to it.
“My goals are limitless. I want to take this project to grow as big as possible, reaching customers all over the world.”
Startup of the Week: Investing in art and culture in times of crisis
https://arab.news/wew6f
Startup of the Week: Investing in art and culture in times of crisis
- Saggaf currently sells her products on Instagram and delivers them to all regions of Saudi Arabia
London calling: Saudi cafés and restaurants find footing in UK capital
- A guide to finding a taste of home on your travels
LONDON: As the number of Saudi expats and visitors in London continues to grow, it’s no surprise that Saudi-owned brands are rising in popularity in the British capital. So, if you’re planning to make the big move — or just visiting — but you’re concerned about feeling homesick, don’t worry; your favorite cafés are coming with you, making your mornings abroad feel a little more like home.
Somewhere Café
If you’ve visited Somewhere Café in the UAE or Saudi Arabia, then you’re already familiar with its unmatched ambiance, food, and décor. With its first UK outlet, the beloved café — which has joint Saudi-Emirati ownership — has brought its signature “home-away-from-home” experience, along with classic Middle Eastern flavors, to London’s premier department store: Harrods.
“Inspired by our travels, we invite you to experience a piece of our journey. Much like finding a painting and bringing it home as a memento, Somewhere celebrates the unique from everywhere. The space is elegantly well-travelled, with an eclectic touch, showcasing Middle Eastern influences through craft and curation,” co-founder Amal AlMarri told Arab News.
If you’re craving something beyond the ordinary, Somewhere Café delivers a fusion of flavors that reimagines nostalgic childhood dishes. Its most popular items include beef shawarma rice, kunafa croissant, and guacamole hummus. For lunch or dinner, you might try the crispy, golden shrimp kunafa or indulge in the rich truffle and cheese batata harra.
To complement its bold menu, the café features a warm, dimly lit interior — a cozy and inviting space to relax with friends and family. Before you leave, the dessert menu — featuring a delectable farak French toast or French coffee baklava — deserves an equal amount of attention.
Hijazi Corner
London’s first Saudi restaurant — Hijazi Corner — is a vibrant addition to the city’s dynamic culinary scene. At the helm is Chef Ayman Al-Zubaidi, who has cooked for Saudi royalty and celebrities. The inspiration behind the restaurant? His mother’s kitchen.
“When any chef starts to speak about food, they talk about their mum. Her chicken kabsa is a bit oily, a bit shiny, and looks amazing — even just talking about it now makes me hungry,” Al-Zubaidi told Arab News last year. “But even if I used the exact same ingredients and followed her method, hers would still taste better.”
Rooted in tradition, the menu features dishes typically found in Saudi homes — especially Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district, where Al-Zubaidi grew up. Highlights include chicken seelag, slow-roasted lamb haneeth, and delicate, flaky samboosek.
In just two years, Hijazi Corner has become one of London’s most sought-after Middle Eastern restaurants — a testament to the deep longing among Saudi expats for authentic flavors from home.
Qahwah London
For those pining for the traditional, rich, aromatic flavors of Arabic coffee, Qahwah London is exactly what you need, with a wide selection of authentic qahwah options, including a tangy, spiced black coffee or the café’s signature Royal Infusion — a warming blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Feeling hungry? Qahwah London also serves a range of traditional desserts such as baklava, kunafa, and basbousa — the perfect pairing for a steaming cup of Arabic coffee.
Guests can also book private gatherings for friends and family, or host intimate events like weddings or nikkah ceremonies. As part of its private offerings, the café provides a luxurious setting: rooms adorned with gold-plated coffee cups and an eye-catching assortment of traditional sweets — all designed to create a decadent group experience.
Diwan Kitchen
Diwan Kitchen is perfect for Saudis in the UK who are craving not only an authentic bite from home, but the feeling of being back in the Kingdom. It captures a key element of Arab culinary culture: its deeply social nature.
“We wanted to show people what traditional Saudi dining is like” Adem Nasraddin, co-founder of the restaurant, told Arab News on the restaurant’s opening night in May. “There’s a rhythm to Saudi life. A scent, a pace, a flavor. We bottled that feeling and served it on a plate.”
The menu takes diners on a journey across the Kingdom, from the Hijaz region, with its rich, tangy foul medammas — served in the center of the table with bread for sharing — to Najd, with jareesh, a hearty stew-like dish topped with fresh meat and vegetables.
Half Million
Grab a coffee and a quick bite at Half Million Café on Oxford Street, then stroll over to Hyde Park for the perfect London morning.
As in its original location in Saudi Arabia, Half Million in London is committed to delivering a “premium coffee experience.” Whether you’re in the mood for a classic breakfast tea or a vibrant red berry infusion, there’s something to satisfy every craving. And when the sun is out, their iced coffees offer the perfect refreshment. The menu — from cakes and sandwiches to freshly baked pastries — is completely halal.
If you’re after a bold, decadent brew in a sleek, stylish setting, Half Million Café is the ideal stop. With its modern cup designs and curated aesthetic, it’s a chic addition to London’s café scene.
Mona Khashoggi brings ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life on the London stage
DUBAI: Saudi writer and producer Mona Khashoggi’s latest production, “Sinbad the Sailor,” was staged on Tuesday at London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre, blending traditional Arab storytelling with contemporary performance.
The family-friendly dance show was a vibrant reinterpretation of the legendary seafarer’s adventures, inspired by tales from “One Thousand and One Nights” and set in eighth-century Mesopotamia.
The musical tells the story of Sinbad, who loses his fortune in a card game and goes on a journey to find new treasures. Along the way he faces sea monsters, wild adventures and magical caves. He meets a kind girl and together they find friendship, love and a way back home to Baghdad, where Sinbad inspires a young boy with his stories.
Khashoggi, a long-time advocate for reviving Arab arts through international collaborations, emphasized her decision to work with a global cast. “Because this is a dance show … I wanted the best ballet and contemporary dancers. My dancers are all professional from the Mathew Bourne school, English National Ballet and West End Musicals,” she told Arab News.
“My lead Mark Samaras is in ‘Moulin Rouge.’ My creatives are from the West End with awards. I wanted to push the bar high and introduce an Arab story,” she added. “Mona Khash Productions is a British production. I always work and produce my shows in London before we tour internationally. London and the West End shows are the center and capital of theater in the world.”
Staging Sinbad in London is part of Khashoggi’s broader mission to spotlight Arab culture for international audiences.
“My work and passion is to revive our culture and bring it to a wider audience and international audience. My shows are educational and cultural. The dance and costumes are inspired by stories from ‘1001 Nights,’ set in Mesopotamia in the 8th century, during the era of Haroun El-Rashid and Queen Zubaida,” she said.
Traditional songs were gathered from Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria, with the audience enjoying original compositions by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish.
Director and choreographer Anjali Mehra, whose credits include “Jesus Christ Superstar” and "Lord of the Rings,” said: “The Middle East offers so many exciting social and celebratory dances.
“I was inspired by certain steps, foot rhythms, arm movements and stage patterns. With a mixed heritage cast, we were able to combine modern storytelling dance with classical technique and Arabic steps to bring ‘Sinbad the Sailor’ to life,” Mehra added.
Madinah exhibition showcases local heritage, crafts
- Three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several Year of Handicrafts initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture
- Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces
RIYADH: The “Arts Telling Stories” exhibition in Madinah showcased the nation’s culture and history through authentic handicrafts.
The three-day event, which ended on Tuesday, is among several “Year of Handicrafts” initiatives launched by the Ministry of Culture, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The exhibition featured a diverse collection of handcrafted creations reflecting the identity of the local community.
Elements of heritage were embodied in palm-based crafts including baskets, incense burners, and decorative pieces, illustrating the historical bond between people and the environment.
The event also showcased wooden artworks, including decorated boxes, vases, and household items crafted with techniques blending traditional sensibility and modern innovation.
It featured pottery pieces inspired by folk art, drawing from the colors and landscapes of the region’s geography, the SPA reported.
The exhibition reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote traditional arts, foster community awareness, and encourage young people to connect with their cultural roots.
Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life
- Featuring miniature representations of Saudi cities from the past, these creations transport visitors through time
- Artist and craft trainer Abdullah Al-Khazam, a native of Hail, presented a clay model of the ancient commercial area of Hail city at the event
RIYADH: The Beit Hail Festival, which runs until July 29, is showcasing unique works which reflect the region’s rich historic archaeological legacy, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.
Featuring miniature representations of Saudi cities from the past, these creations transport visitors through time, highlighting the details of daily life and the beauty of historic architecture.
Artist and craft trainer Abdullah Al-Khazam, a native of Hail, has presented a clay model of the ancient commercial area of Hail city at the event.
The model has attracted the attention of thousands of visitors and illustrates the techniques used to craft such works, enriching the festival’s depiction of the Kingdom’s heritage.
Al-Khazam based the model on historic sources, using precise measurements and conducting field visits. He also consulted historians, researchers, and elderly residents for accuracy.
The model features key landmarks, including Barzan Palace, a mosque, the commercial square, and various government offices, the SPA added.
Built with traditional materials such as clay and palm trunks, the model uses classic construction techniques and incorporates period ornaments and engravings, effectively recreating the city center of the past.
The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns
DHAHRAN: The Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, or LAAF, the UK’s longest-running annual celebration of Arab arts and culture, returns this month with a theme that feels both timely and timeless: “Nostalgia.”
Now two decades in, the festival has grown from grassroots beginnings into an internationally recognized celebration.
Running through to July 20, this year’s program explores how memory, heritage and longing shape artistic expression across the Arab world and its diasporas.
The dynamic, bilingual line-up spans film, music, literature, performance, food and family activities — all underscored by deeper reflections on identity, loss and cultural continuity.
Arab News spoke with Taher Qassim, originally from Yemen, who founded LAAF in 1998 as a community-led effort to foster cultural pride and preserve Arab identity in Liverpool.
“The theme of ‘nostalgia’ is a reflection of both how far we’ve come and where we began,” Qassim said. “Twenty-three years ago, we set out on a path that was uncertain but filled with excitement and purpose. We knew we wanted to create something that represented the Yemeni and Arab presence in Liverpool, but we didn’t yet know how to express it.”
What began as a handful of cultural activations has since evolved into a platform for Arab artists. “From those humble beginnings … the festival began to blossom,” he said. “Today, we proudly offer a platform to artists from across the Arab world, Europe, the US, and beyond — something we could only have dreamed of.”
Two events stand out for him: ‘Arabs Are Not Funny’ and ‘The Book of Sanaa.’ The former, he says, “directly challenges the long-held stereotype that Arabs lack a sense of humor. It’s refreshing, bold and liberating — exactly what the festival stands for.”
The latter brings together literature, poetry, food, and a model of Yemen’s historic capital.
“The richness of this event would’ve felt like a fantasy to us two decades ago. Now, it’s a reality — something we’ve made possible through years of dedication and community.”
Qassim, who was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2008 for services to community cohesion, handed over the festival’s leadership to his daughter, Afrah, who now steers LAAF with the same vision and care.
Today, LAAF is no longer seen solely as a festival for the Arab community. “That perception has shifted dramatically,” Qassim said. “People from all backgrounds and ages attend and engage. The festival has become a space for dialogue, curiosity and connection.” As he put it, “Conversations happen naturally — before, during and after events.”
One event he hopes visitors will not miss is the now-iconic “Family Day” at the Palm House in Sefton Park. “It’s become the signature event of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival — our legacy day,” he said. “Families travel from across the UK, Europe, and even further afield to be part of it. The atmosphere is joyful, welcoming, and truly inclusive … a vibrant, heartwarming celebration of Arab culture at its best.”
Some events require tickets, but “Family Day” — an afternoon of music, crafts, performances and community — is the grand finale and free to all.
